As part of Monaco’s plans for International Women’s Rights Day on 8th March, a ‘Speed Mentoring’ event aimed at empowering young women and girls through direct engagement with successful female entrepreneurs is to be held at the Espace Léo Ferré. 

Organised within the context of the PowHer event on International Women’s Rights Day, the mentoring event for girls aged 11 to 25 will be taking place from 3pm to 5pm.

The event is being orchestrated by SheCanHeCan and the Femmes Chefs d’Entreprises de Monaco association with the support of the Principality’s Committee for Women’s Rights.

The ultimate aim of this part of the PowHer initiative aims to connect young girls and women with female industry leaders through direct contact, as well as highlight women’s achievements and facilitate gender equality discussions.

See more: Monaco to mark International Women’s Rights Day with innovative ‘PowHer’ event

More than 30 female entrepreneurs from various sectors are set to contribute to the event, providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore different career paths, gain insight into the working world and learn about women’s roles in leadership through the one-on-one mentoring sessions.

High-profile guests will include the likes of: Laurence Garino, Chief of Staff of the Minister of State; Christine Pasquier-Ciulla, a member of the National Council; and Benoîte Rousseau de Sevelinges, Director of the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace. The full list of the participating women can be found here.

The event is free, with no requirement for pre-registration.

Through this and similar initiatives, Monaco continues its mission to foster an environment that supports gender equality and empowers future generations. The full programme for the PowHer event can be found here.

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Photo source: Windows, Unsplash

With e-business entrepreneurship on an upswing, Monaco Life speaks with Ben Strautmann about creating his digital enterprise BSS Monaco.

Starting an internet-based business is one of the most prolific and rapid-developing offshoots of entrepreneurship nowadays. Digital and information technology are some of the leading tools for business, so digital entrepreneurship is seen as readily accessible to all. For those skilled in digital and information technology, it becomes the perfect podium for them to create and capitalise on present opportunities.

The 25-year-old German native, born in Luxembourg, has been residing in Monaco for the last 17 years. He is a graduate of Business Management at King’s College London and worked abroad for a few years, notably in E-Commerce at L’Oréal.

“During this time, I gained substantial knowledge and developed expertise in promoting products online, leveraging digital marketing tools and strategies to enhance brand visibility and sales,” Strautmann tells Monaco Life.

While living abroad, Strautmann was exposed to vibrant tech scenes.

“I was incredibly inspired by the many innovative solutions emerging in all kinds of industries,” he says. “My time in London and New York particularly motivated me to contribute to the technological evolution of the Principality, so I decided to establish BSS here, leveraging my education, experiences and insights gained overseas.”

It helps that he is multilingual, with an ability to conduct business in French, English and German, skills perfectly adapted to serving the international business community in the Principality and helping companies extend their reach beyond domestic boundaries.

Maximising the positives of lockdown

During the Covid lockdown, people were compelled to interact mostly through screens. The silver lining was that many young people turned to video content creation, freelancing, blogging, online teaching, making and selling music, translating and many other types of digital technology.

Strautmann belongs to Generation Z (1997-2012), the first social generation to have grown up with access to the Internet and portable digital technology from a young age. No doubt thanks to this, he has been able to find an innovative way to use his skills productively.

“After the pandemic, I returned to Monaco, where I founded my own company providing digital solutions, from web development and digital design to digital marketing strategies. I had built my first website for a client at 15,” he reveals. “I suppose I have always been tech-savvy and curious; as a result, the people in my life have tended to come to me for Internet help. So, I guess the idea came very naturally. I aim to help local businesses thrive in the digital age, adapting to the ever-changing landscape and meeting the growing demands of a tech-savvy clientele. It’s a fulfilling journey that blends innovation, problem-solving and a deep connection to my roots.”

So how does a digital-savvy Gen-Z prefer to market his business?

“Most clients contact me based on referrals from previous projects. Because I work so closely with my clients, I think it goes by word of mouth. I also like to advertise online through social media and search engines, which gives me a good online/offline balance,” he tells Monaco Life.

Staying up to date with tech trends

In this line of business, it is important to stay up to date with current technology trends, and Strautmann reveals that he does this by tuning in to his favourite podcasts, like Hard Fork, A16Z, and TechCrunch Daily Crunch.

“They’re invaluable for insights and updates,” says Strautmann. “I also actively engage with various tech communities on social media and devote time to reading blog posts and articles, which helps me stay informed and inspired. As mentioned earlier, travelling to different cities has been a great source of inspiration to me, seeing how daily life and community-building are innovative and facilitated (or not!) by technology.”

The young entrepreneur says he is proud to also be an official partner of Extended Monaco, a role that allows him to contribute to Monaco’s digital development as a whole.

“I am very proud to carry out the shared goal of driving Monaco’s digital evolution, developing digital proficiency within local businesses and promoting a digital-friendly economic environment,” he shares.

So, what does he envision in five years’ time for himself and his company?

“I would refrain from being too set in my vision for the coming years. Still, as the tech landscape evolves, I hope to continue providing services at the current height and utilising the latest available advancement. I expect myself and my business to keep learning and evolving, which I find very exciting.”

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Main photo of Ben Strautmann provided

With just two weeks to go until Monaco’s 2024 Printemps des Arts festival begins, Monaco Life delves into the rich and eclectic programming organised for the first few days of this month-long event.

Under the title of ‘Ma fin est mon commencement’, the upcoming edition of Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo is set to embrace the thought-provoking theme of the cycles of life under the guidance of Artistic Director Bruno Mantovani from 13^th March to 7^th April.

As always, the programme, which can be found here, will continue the festival’s tradition of blending the classical with the contemporary while placing a strong emphasis on making the arts more accessible to young audiences by offering free admission to all concerts for individuals under 25 years of age.

The festival begins with a concert on Wednesday 13^th March at the Église de Saint-Charles by the Ensemble Gilles Binchois. The group will perform Johannes Ockeghem’s Requiem, the earliest recorded mass for the dead, ahead of a recital by Nice-born Sandro Compagnon, who will be taking on a range of modern saxophone pieces by Luciano Berio and Mantovani.

Continuing the exploration of beginnings and endings, one of the highlights of the following day will see the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo on stage at the Auditorium Rainier III. Under Fabien Gabel, the orchestra will juxtapose Richard Strauss’ early symphonic work Aus Italien with the later introspective Four Last Lieder.

On Friday 15^th March, at One Monte-Carlo, the festival will spotlight the diverse spectrum of classical music with a performance by the trio of Sayaka Shoji, Henri Demarquette and Jean-Frédéric Neuburger. They will journey through Beethoven’s work, from his initial compositions to the iconic Archduke Trio, to illustrate the progression of Beethoven’s genius.

For tickets and reservations, click here.

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Photo credit: OPMC

This coming Friday, the worlds of literature and music will collide at the Théâtre des Variétés as pianist Roberto Prosseda creatively reinterprets Italo Calvino’s ‘American Lessons’.

At 8pm on Friday 1^st March, the Dante Alighieri Association – Monaco Committee will host a performance by the internationally acclaimed pianist Roberto Prosseda at Monaco’s Théâtre des Variétés. Supported by Princess Caroline of Monaco and the Principality’s Italian Embassy, the event will merge literature and music with a programme inspired by Italo Calvino’s ‘American Lessons’.

In ‘The Lightness of Things’, Prosseda will reinterpret the themes of lightness, quickness, exactitude, visibility, multiplicity and consistency, transforming Calvino’s ideas into music and showcasing his literary concepts in a fully unique way.

Prosseda is known for his engagements with leading orchestras across the globe, such as the London Philharmonic, New Japan Philharmonic and the Berliner Symphoniker. His artistic journey has also seen the pianist collaborate and co-author a series of television documentaries on composers including Mendelssohn, Chopin and Liszt.

Entry to the upcoming event is free for members of the Dante Alighieri Association while ticket prices have been set at €10 euros for non-members under the age of 25 and €20 euros for adult non-members. Reservations are required by 29^th February and can be made via email on info.dantemc@gmail.com or by calling +377 97 70 89 47.

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Photo source: Unsplash

As night falls on Friday 1st March, AS Monaco will play Paris Saint-Germain, the leaders of France’s top-tier Ligue 1, at home in the Stade Louis II. It is set to be a major meeting, perhaps the biggest for the Rouges et Blancs in the second half of the season, and turnout is expected to be high. 

AS Monaco currently sit third in the Ligue 1 rankings. The side has won just two out of their last five games, having lost out to Toulouse and drawn a further two matches.

Paris Saint-Germain, however, have a cleaner sheet, with three wins and two draws in their last five games. The celebrity status side sit well ahead of second-placed Stade Brestois 29: Paris Saint-Germain have 54 points to Brest’s 43 and Monaco’s 41.  

A handful of seats for the big game are still on sale, with some costing as little as €45 for subscription holders and even €10 for children.  

Tickets can be purchased via the online ticket office, which can be found here, or through the AS Monaco app. Only four seats can be reserved at a time and the names on the tickets must match the ID presented at the stadium on game day.

If you are yet to buy a season ticket or subscription to watch the local Principality side at home, there is currently an offer on for the second half of the season and the 2024/25 season that costs just €269.  

Travel information

For those travelling into the Principality for the game, it is recommended that you arrive well ahead of kick-off. Doors at the Stade Louis II will open at 7pm ahead of the 9pm start.  

Those who use the Munego carsharing app are guaranteed a carparking space while Parkings.mc will help other drivers locate an available space. The YOURSMONACO app also identifies carparks in the Principality that have free spaces.  

For fans travelling home by train, the last train back to Nice leaves at 11.20pm and the last train to Menton departs Monaco at 11.14pm. Further information about the SNCF rail services can be found here. 

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Photo credit: AS Monaco

Snowfall is expected throughout this week and into the next, providing perfect conditions for the thousands of families heading into the mountains for a spot of skiing during the school holidays. But before you head off, it is important to check that your vehicle is correctly equipped for the road. 

Until 31st March, it is obligatory for all vehicles with four or more wheels in mountainous areas in France to be fitted with winter tyres on all wheels or to carry the correct-sized snow chains or socks for at least two tyres.  

Details on the correct form of winter tyres has been published on the French Public Service website and can be viewed, in French, here. 

According to the website, the term ‘winter tyres’ covers all tyres that are marked with M+S, M.S, M&S or the alpine symbol known as 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) alongside an MS variation. All season or four weather tyres are not considered acceptable if they don’t have one of the previously mentioned symbols.  

From 1st November 2024, only tyres with the 3PMSF option will be accepted as winter tyres.  

See more: When and where you’ll need snow tyres this winter

The communes affected by the rules in the Alpes-Maritimes are: Amirat, Andon, Ascros, Auvare, Bairols, Belvédère, Beuil, Bezaudun-les-Alpes, Bonson, Breil-sur-Roya, Briançonnet, Caille, Caussols, Chateauneuf-d’Entraunes, Clans, Coaraze, Coursegoules, Daluis, Duranus, Entraunes, Escragnolles, Fontan, Gars, Gilette, Gorbio, Gourdon, Gréolières, Guillaumes, Ilonse, Isola, La Bollène-Vésubie, La Brigue, La Croix-sur-Roudoule, La Penne, La Tour, Lantosque, Le Mas, Les Mujouls, Levens, Lieuche, Lucéram, Malaussène, Marie, Massoin, Moulinet, Peille, Péone, Pierlas, Pierrefeu, Puget-Rostang, Puget-Théniers, Revest-les-Roches, Rigaud, Rimplas, Roquebillière, Roubion, Roure, Saint-Antonin, Saint-Auban, Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, Sainte-Agnès, Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée, Saint-Léger, Saint-Martin-d’Entraunes, Saint-Martin-Vésubie, Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée, Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, Saorge, Sauze, Seranon, Sospel, Tende, Thiery, Toudon, Touët-sur-Var, Tourette-du-Chateau, Tournefort, Utelle, Valdeblore, Valderoure, Venanson, Villars-sur-Var and Villeneuve-d’Entraunes. 

See more: From Monaco to the mountains: a guide to the best ski resorts these school holidays

In the Var, the communes affected by the wintertime rules include: Aiguines, Baudinard, La Roque-Esclapon, Montmeyan, Ampus, Brenon, La Verdière, Régusse, Artignosc, Chateaudouble, Le Bourguet, Seillans, Aups, Chateauvieux, Les Salles-sur-Verdon, St Julien le Montagnier, Bargème, Comps sur Artuby, Moissac-Bellevue, Tourtour, Bargemon, La Bastide, Mons, Trigance, Bauduen, La Martre, Montferrat and Vérignon. 

A full list of communes across France that require specific winter equipment for vehicles can be found here. 

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Photo source: Daniel J. Schwarz, Unsplash

Taking place within the context of the Monaco Yacht Show, The Honours are a celebration of inspiring individuals at the frontline of change in the superyachting industry. Nominations have officially opened for the Class of 2024 and here is all the information you need on how to get involved. 

The superyacht industry’s image is evolving as it embraces a role as an innovator of sustainable maritime practices and as a source of incredible philanthropic ventures. To champion the efforts of those pushing the boundaries of the sector, the Monaco Yacht Show launched The Honours in 2023.

The awards take the focus off the magnificent boats and put it on the people who are living and working on board these glamourous vessels with the goal of sharing their stories and shining a light on the amazing things they are doing behind the scenes. 

From a deckhand working with indigenous peoples to help offset climate change issues to a scientist pursuing marine studies and research or a yacht owner who is doing their bit to make the luxury sector more eco-friendly, there are people throughout the industry who have been quietly doing good and deserve recognition.  

See more: MYS: The Honours yachting awards champion three inspiring individuals

The second edition of The Honours will be held during the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show, scheduled for 25th to 28th September in Port Hercule, but the nomination stage for the awards has already begun begun. 

The candidates need not be from any specific background or fall into any certain category, but they must have demonstrated “concrete achievements” in fields such as diversity, sustainability, innovation, research and philanthropy that are linked to superyachting during the last five years. 

The organisers of The Honours – the Monaco Yacht Show and the Superyacht Life Foundation – stress that nominees will be judged based on their accomplishments and not the number of times they have been put forwards for an award. As such, the emphasis of a nomination should be on the person’s “impact, originality, creativity and commitment to making a positive difference” in the sector.   

To submit a name, simply click here and fill out a short form describing why the person being suggested should be considered as well as adding any details, anecdotes or stories related to their achievements that you deem pertinent.  

After the selection process is complete, a gala award ceremony will be held to announce the winners later in the year.  

Submissions will be accepted until 1st April.  

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Photo of The Honours 2023 

Submissions are now being taken for the third edition of the international photography competition, ‘RAMOGE – Man and the Sea’.

As part of its awareness-raising activities, the RAMOGE Agreement invites all lovers of the sea and photography to highlight in their photos the relationship between human activities and the Mediterranean in its multiple aspects.

Held under the auspices of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), the competition will be held until 15^th September 2024.

This year sees another internationally-renowned jury, composed of FIAP President Riccardo Busi, National Geographic’s Nature Photographer of the Year 2016 Greg Lecoeur, and Sergio Pitamitz, Environmental Photojournalist of the Year, NPPA, 2016.

The ‘RAMOGE – Man and the Sea’ competition is divided into four categories: ‘Man and the Sea’, dedicated to photos taken in the Mediterranean; ‘RAMOGE zone’, dedicated to photos taken between Marseille and La Spezia; ‘Man and the Sea, the view of new generations’, reserved for young photographers aged under 25; and ‘Free Theme’, which is free and open to all.

To participate, simply register and submit your photos on the RAMOGE website: https://ramoge.org/concours-photos/

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Photo of 2021 3rd place winner of the the ‘Man and the Sea’ category: “Pirate Slurp” by Giannicola Marello.